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13 March 2010
As we continue to move forward in these difficult times, we feel there is no better time than this to thank the clients who have made our success possible. So many have become good friends over the years and all have been and continue to be highly valued by all of us. Accordingly, we thought it appropriate to send out this letter as food for thought for those who are visiting us for the first time.
None of us needs a doctorate in economics to know that some difficult times continue to lie ahead for all of us. Media can be so full of doom and gloom and that affects the way we react. We were recently interviewed by a reporter for an industry magazine concerning our take on the situation as Architects and Builders. He focused on a statement we made and told us that this is the quote he will use in his article:
“In the more than 25 years we have been in business, we have seen and worked through two recessive economies. We survived the first one in the eighties and enabled our clients to withstand it as well. The “new economy” presents unusual challenges but none so very different from those of the eighties. We were positively positioned then and we are positively positioned today.”
That statement may sound frivolous at first glance but is indeed factual. Our approach worked, still works and will help to withstand our latest challenges as our economy and conditions improve.
Credit markets will improve and as they do confidence will be restored. When, requires a crystal ball and that’s one piece of equipment we don’t have. We do have faith in our system, our nation’s entrepreneurial spirit and the positive conviction of those who stimulate our economy…people like our clients and you.
What can CSR do to help in these difficult times? Basically the same things we did 20 years ago that work today. Back then we developed a design/build program that centralized architectural design, engineering and construction fulfillment under one roof. The net effect was fewer spoons stirring the “broth” resulting in lower administrative costs, faster turn-around, and tighter budget control. Moreover the concept creates enhanced and unambiguous communication. All of this equals substantial savings.
We have also been proponents of value analysis and value engineering which simply defined is the process of finding a less expensive means of attaining the same result without sacrificing quality. We are proponents of logistical planning. We often pre-purchase material on the construction side (such as steel) at the right price. The mills knowing they have a commitment in the pipeline are more than happy to accommodate us. Long-term equipment delivery such as mechanical is also pre-ordered to take advantage of savings.
Currently, we are focused on sustainable designs which results in long-term savings for building owners. We have recently invested in an emerging alternative energy firm which will enhance our ability to reduce long term operating costs for our clients and help them meet new regulatory requirements concerning alternative energy. We are looking at solar, wind and geothermal alternatives in our designs.
Contrary to what some might think, now is the time to take advantage of lower costs, availability of labor and manufacturers anxious to move product. If you are considering making a design, construction, renovation or re-development decision in either the short term or long term, let us know. We can help you make an evaluation without obligation.
